Spinal Structures and Function
Explore how the spine evolved to support survival, and the formative forces in its evolutionary and embryological development. With this understanding, you will be able to build a picture of what happens if things go wrong; when injuries occur; when repetitive loading compromises tissue function; or pain inhibits muscle activation.
Although we may take it for granted, the evolution of the spine was a revelation in animal movement, opening the potential for more effective locomotion through the three dimensions of space without the body folding in on itself.
In Spinal Structures & Function you will explore how the spine evolved to support survival, and the formative forces in its evolutionary and embryological development. With this understanding, you will be able to build a picture of what happens if things go wrong; when injuries occur; when repetitive loading compromises tissue function; or pain inhibits muscle activation.
With cutting edge insights and evaluation of some of the more controversial elements of current spinal research, Spinal Structures & Function will show you that it is impossible to develop a real-world understanding of spinal health by simply looking down the microscope or crunching the data.
The course is built on the most recent neurophysiological understandings around spinal function and the multiplicity of lifestyle and emotional factors that can contribute to, or detract from, this functioning.
Although the course covers a broad range of standard orthopedic spinal conditions, it is not just about injuries or rehabilitation, but also about performance and getting the most out of your spine in sports or activities of daily living.
- How to apply the Phase Progressions model of exercise in rehabilitation and conditioning of the spine
- Key factors to effectively work with people experiencing spinal pain.
- In-depth applied information on 8 of the most common spinal conditions you’re likely to encounter with your clients.
- How allostatic load plays a key role in predisposition to spinal injury, and also in managing a return to full function.
- Why “core stability” has undergone much criticism; and why it’s still critical to understand in context and to deploy at the right time.
- How to apply the CHEK Success Formula to spinal rehabilitation and conditioning
Successfully understanding the spine is not only about learning anatomy, movements or injuries, but is about gaining a working knowledge of how spinal function can be optimized to effectively transfer force between the legs and the arms for peak performance. It is about understanding the spine’s role, not just in the musculoskeletal system, but within the system of systems that is the human body. This is why the CHEK approach to Spinal Structures and Function is like no other course in this field – it’s the spine seen through the uniquely holistic, integrated lens of the CHEK Institute.
- 12 videos
- 4 hours and 40 minutes of footage
- Online Exam
- Certificate of Completion
CECs and PDCs: CHEK Institute 5
Customer Reviews
“The spinal structure and function course is one of the best resources I have ever encountered. It offers a deep and comprehensive understanding of spinal health, structure, and biomechanics. The material is exceptionally well-organized, making it easy to follow even for those new to the subject. The course has been incredibly helpful to me on a personal level, providing practical knowledge that I can apply to improve my overall health and well-being.
What sets this course apart is its ability to present complex concepts in a clear and concise manner. The content is enriched with detailed explanations, visuals, and examples, making learning both engaging and insightful. Whether you’re a health professional, a student, or someone interested in understanding the intricacies of spinal function, this course is a must-have resource. It has not only enhanced my knowledge but also encouraged me to be more proactive about my spinal health.”
“The spinal structure and function course is one of the best resources I have ever encountered. It offers a deep and comprehensive understanding of spinal health, structure, and biomechanics. The material is exceptionally well-organized, making it easy to follow even for those new to the subject. The course has been incredibly helpful to me on a personal level, providing practical knowledge that I can apply to improve my overall health and well-being.
What sets this course apart is its ability to present complex concepts in a clear and concise manner. The content is enriched with detailed explanations, visuals, and examples, making learning both engaging and insightful. Whether you’re a health professional, a student, or someone interested in understanding the intricacies of spinal function, this course is a must-have resource. It has not only enhanced my knowledge but also encouraged me to be more proactive about my spinal health.”
Thanks Matt Walden and CHEK Institute for this course. Very profound and necessary if you work in a rehab environment
As a Remedial Massage therapist for nearly 30 years, treating low back pain is my 'bread and butter'. I took this course as a refresher but learned so much more, than just refreshing my knowledge. It confirms my observations over the years that manual therapy is only part of the healing equation and that exercise rehabilitation completes the picture. The sections I found most interesting were; controversies and conditioning. Controversies in relation to spinal function, posture & pain, non-specific low back pain, and pain and consciousness. Drawing on the principles of Holistic Lifestyle Coaching, HLC 1, considering the effects of sleep, nutrition, gut health, hydration, etc., and the role these may play in spinal issues and ongoing pain.
Conditioning; the concept of phase progression for rehabilitative exercise was new to me. I also liked the concept of the success formula & Panajabi's model of conditioning. I am not a qualified fitness trainer, and as a remedial massage therapist, we learned basic rehab exercises comprising, 'do this exercise for this specific problem'. Taking a holistic and graded approach to rehabilitation; flexibility, stability, strength, and power, obviously will lead to better outcomes and healing.
The course also gives a comprehensive introduction to spinal conditions which was well supported with images.
I thoroughly enjoyed this course and it has certainly whetted my appetite for further exploration into exercise rehabilitation and assessment. Thank you to the presenter Matthew Wallden and the Chek Institute.